iBall 2018

WMCAT is going on tour! We’re moving to a new space on the West Side of Grand Rapids next summer, spreading the word about impactful solutions to pressing needs, and elevating WMCAT student voice at tour stops along the way. We invite you to join us at our headlining tour stop, iBall 2018.

We’ll enjoy live entertainment, including music by our teen artists, dinner, and an open bar. And, we’ll celebrate three incredible honorees who represent imagination, innovation, and inspiration!

iBall 2018 was a sold out event! Thank you to all who joined us.

HONOREES

WMCAT Award for Imagination

Mercy Health/Saint Mary’s
Bill Manns, President

Mercy Health is a partner with WMCAT in re-imagining the hiring and on-boarding process for healthcare support professionals. As a multi-campus health care system serving West Michigan, Mercy Health has five hospital campuses, more than 60 physician offices and 7,200 support colleagues. A part of Trinity Health, the nation’s second-largest Catholic Health System, Mercy Health is committed to being a trusted health partner for life.

WMCAT Award for Innovation

The SOURCE
Mindy Ysasi, Executive Director

The SOURCE is a nationally-recognized collaborative non-profit that serves area employees with a best-practice model of holistic engagement. Supported by employer members who value their employees and the bottom line, The SOURCE works with WMCAT to advance equitable pathways to income security for families. An example of their impact is the Bridge Loan program with AAC Credit Union. Last year The SOURCE leveraged more than $50,000 in loans for their clients, supporting financial stability and increasing credit scores.

WMCAT Award for Inspiration

In Honor of James C. Welch presented to a WMCAT Student or Alumni

This year the WMCAT Award for Inspiration is being presented to a WMCAT student or alumni in honor of James C. Welch, WMCAT’s founding board chair, and his family. Jim was a co-founder of WMCAT, working tirelessly to share our story and engage the community in opening our unique space in 2005. Through his vision for connecting people to opportunity and his tenacity, Jim led WMCAT as president until his premature death in 2009. Today his family continues his legacy through their ongoing support and friendship. We are inspired by Jim and proud to present this award to an inspirational WMCAT student/graduate at iBall.